South Padre Island is one of the top tourist destinations in Texas. Located at the state’s southern tip, it boasts nearly 35 miles of white sand and clear turquoise water for all sorts of beach activities. Many visitors come to fish, as the waters are inhabited by over 600 different species, or to golf on one of its dozens of courses. Plus, there are over 300 days of sunshine for enjoying it all. For the ideal base, consider booking one of these top hotels.
Isla Grand Beach Resort
Enjoy a tranquil setting right on the beach at Isla Grand Beach Resort, surrounded by 10 acres of lush tropical greenery. No matter where you are on the property, you’ll have a view of the water and the sand. On the grounds of this top beachfront resort, there are two pools, one that’s a lagoon-style pool with built-in whirlpools, along with seasonal poolside bars. There are multiple dining options, including a buffet with indoor and outdoor seating, a beachfront cafe, and the Hammerhead Deck, which serves international dishes that can be enjoyed with a sunset view and occasional live music. Accommodation is in standard hotel rooms and condo-style units, all of which have floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that open to balconies. The two-bedroom condos have full kitchens.
Courtyard South Padre Island
Courtyard South Padre Island is located right on the beach. A full-service beach hotel, it offers spacious rooms and suites, some of which are as large as 750 square feet. All come with balconies, microwaves, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, free Wi-Fi, and 55″ flat-screen TVs. Many have a view, but a stunning ocean view can also be enjoyed while relaxing in a lounge chair at the large saltwater pool. Poolside food and drink service is provided, and there’s also a beachfront bar, a bistro, a fitness center, and a gift shop on-site.
Hilton Garden Inn South Padre Island Beachfront
Located on the north side of South Padre Island, across from the convention and visitors bureau, Hilton Garden Inn South Padre Island Beachfront offers a picturesque oceanfront location with easy access to idyllic sandy beaches via a boardwalk. The rooms have spacious balconies, some of which boast ocean views, while all feature free Wi-Fi, 32″ flat-screen TVs, microwaves, refrigerators, and coffeemakers. There’s a big pool with two hot tubs and a separate kids’ pool, along with a small fitness center. Enjoy seasonal poolside drink service, room service until late, and several dining options, including the Great American Grill.
My Sapphire South Padre
One of Texas’ best resorts for honeymooners, My Sapphire South Padre offers beachfront units with magnificent views over the Gulf of Mexico. It includes two pools, one that’s the largest in South Texas, a movie theater, a game room with a pool table, pinball, shuffleboard, and foosball, and an exclusive full-service spa for melting stress away with a massage, body, or facial treatment. If you want to keep up with your workout routine, the fitness center includes a wide range of cardio machines and free weights. While units vary in size and configuration, there are options for everyone, from solo travelers to families. All have balconies overlooking the bay or the beach, full kitchens, and Smart TVs.
Holiday Inn Resort South Padre Island-Beach Front
The Holiday Inn Resort South Padre Island-Beach Front is part of the popular 25-acre Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark, home to indoor and outdoor water parks with wave pools, water coasters, slides, and river floats. There are two heated outdoor pools, including one with fabulous views of the white sand beaches that are some of the best in Texas, and another pool with a swim-up bar. There are multiple dining options, including The Seaside that’s open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The Sea4ever Rooftop Bar & Grill is open seasonally and offers jaw-dropping ocean views that can be enjoyed with upscale fare. There’s a fitness center, a gift shop, and a laundry room on-site too, while the spacious rooms include microwaves, mini-fridges, and flat-screen TVs. Many have ocean views, and if you want to cook some of your own meals, book a suite, which comes with a kitchen and a separate living area.
La Copa Inn Resort
La Copa Inn will put you right on the beach while also being close to Schlitterbahn Waterpark and Isla Blanca State Park, two of the area’s most popular things to do. The concierge will be happy to arrange activities like jet skiing and parasailing, and after a day of fun, you can look forward to ocean-view dining right on-site. In the morning, enjoy a complimentary buffet-style breakfast with made-to-order omelets. There’s also an outdoor pool, a gift shop, and a gym. When you want to soak up the sun and the sand, you’ll have private beach access with umbrellas and beach chairs available for a fee.
Best Western Beachside Inn
The Best Western Beachside Inn isn’t a fancy hotel, but it’s one of the most popular in South Padre for a budget beach vacation with value. A 2-star property, it’s just a short walk from the beach and close to golf courses and other attractions. It’s located between Stearns Wharf and a public park. There is a small outdoor heated pool with a sundeck in the central courtyard and a patio just above this area with umbrella-shaded tables and loungers. While there’s no restaurant on-site, many are just steps away, and a deluxe continental breakfast is served in a room off the lobby. Rooms are basic, but all come with small balconies and harbor, park, or pool views, mini-fridges, microwaves, coffeemakers, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi.
Padre South Hotel on the Beach
A 2-star hotel offering direct access to the beach and the Gulf of Mexico, Padre South Hotel on the Beach is a great value option. It’s clean and comfortable, with spacious rooms and suites featuring kitchenettes and private balconies, many of which have ocean views. The best can be enjoyed from the higher floors. All have funky retro decor, rattan furniture, colorful bedspreads, cable TV, and free Wi-Fi. The suites have two bedrooms and two bathrooms, sleeping six with a separate living room that has a pull-out sofa. Guest amenities include an outdoor pool with a hot tub and loungers. There is no restaurant on-site, but several eateries are within a short walk away.
Peninsula Island Resort & Spa
The Peninsula Island Resort & Spa has a long list of amenities and a walkway that leads right to the beach. On the grounds, there is a full-service spa, two outdoor pools, a fitness center, and the Las Olas Restaurant Bar & Grill, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a menu focused on seafood. Choose from standard rooms with balconies, flat-screen cable TVs, Wi-Fi, and coffeemakers, or book one of the two- or three-bedroom suites that come with well-equipped kitchenettes.
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham South Padre Island Beach
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham South Padre Island Beach offers a beachfront location and a budget-friendly beachfront stay on a more tranquil stretch of sands at the island’s northern end. When you aren’t taking advantage of the beach, you can hang out at the outdoor pool with loungers and enjoy the occasional dip. Or, head to the Jacuzzi for a soak in the soothing warm water. A fitness center, gift shop, and laundry facilities are also on-site. There is no restaurant available for lunch or dinner, but there is a bar with basic snacks and drinks, plus you’ll be able to start your day with a complimentary breakfast. Many rooms have small balconies with at least a partial view of the sea, and all come with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen cable TVs, coffeemakers, and mini-fridges. The suites include full refrigerators and sofabeds.
Super 8 by Wyndham South Padre Island
Great for families with children looking to save on their family vacation in Texas, kids stay free at the Super 8 by Wyndham South Padre Island. A two-star resort, it’s a great value and offers a central location with comfortable, clean rooms, some of which come with a view of the water. With kitchenettes, you can make some of your own meals to save on dining out. Other amenities include flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. Some of the suites even include a private hot tub too. All guests enjoy a complimentary breakfast each morning during their stay. The hotel also has an outdoor pool, hot tub, fitness center, and barbecue area. Those who don’t want to leave the family pet at home will be happy to know that it’s dog-friendly too.
